COUNTY chiefs may have acted outside the law over the controversial appointment of £220,000 chief executive Andrea Hill, a report by watchdogs has revealed.After concerns were raised over a massive £70,000 pay hike to secure the services of Mrs Hill, the process was probed by the Audit Commission.
Neil Puffett
COUNTY chiefs may have acted unlawfully over the controversial appointment of £220,000 chief executive Andrea Hill, a report by watchdogs has revealed.
After concerns were raised over a massive £70,000 pay hike to secure the services of Mrs Hill, the process was probed by the Audit Commission.
In a report that pulls no punches, the District Auditor describes the appointment process as “potentially unlawful” because the decision to increase the salary band was made without important information being available.
He added that the council's selection panel didn't debate key issues over the appointment including the impact of the huge salary on the budget.
The auditor said he considered taking the matter to court but felt that this would not be in the public interest.
See tomorrow's Evening Star for the full story.
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